Andrew Wheeler

Published

Apr 28, 2014

Updated

Apr 28, 2014

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Mutant soldier Cable and mouthy mercenary Deadpool go back a long way—all the way back to the early 90’s, when Cable made his first appearance in NEW MUTANTS #87, and Deadpool followed a year later in issue #98. But even then, they had a history.

In the new four-issue series DEADPOOL VS. X-FORCE, writer Duane Swierczynski and artist Pepe Larraz will explore that history; and thanks to the wonders of time travel, they’ll also explore American history, as Cable and his team pursue the legendary loudmouth into the past.

This story finally reveals how Cable and Deadpool first met. As the title of the book suggests, it didn’t end up a friendly meeting.

We spoke to Duane and editor Jordan D. White to ask, where’s the beef? Is it in the chimichanga?

Duane Swierczynski: I have no idea. I originally pitched this as DEADPOOL HAS A QUIET SNACK WITH X-FORCE, then Marvel's all like, "you need a little conflict, buddy", so I had to totally change the story I had in mind. Now it's pretty much Deadpool running amok in time, burning the very fabric of American history, with Cable and X-Force trying to smother the flames.

Jordan D. White: I was pretty sad that we had to cut the "Pass the mustard" sequence from that original first issue, but I think the series as a whole has benefitted.

Marvel.com: This story takes place before the first appearances of Cable and Deadpool. Should we prepare for some 90’s flashbacks?

Duane Swierczynski: That's the funny thing. There are 90’s flashbacks as well as 70’s flashbacks—1777, that is—60’s flashbacks—1863—as well as the inevitable 30’s flashbacks—no, this time I do mean the 1930’s. It's a time travel saga! There are going to be flashbacks! Or flash forwards, depending on your point of view. If Matthew McConaughey is right in that "time is a flat circle," then Deadpool is pretty much popping it on the turntable and scratching the hell out of it.

Jordan D. White: The big thing I’ve been wrestling with on the production side is whether to give Deadpool his current yellow balloons, or his original 90’s white balloons with a red stroke around them. But I did make sure to bring back the 90’s logos!

Marvel.com: Given that this story takes us into the history of America, is there anything you're especially excited to see artist Pepe Larraz bring to life?

Duane Swierczynski: Oh man, pretty much the whole thing? Pepe's rocking the face off this story. I took some reference shots of historical buildings in Philly and Gettysburg for him, and his pages make me feel like I'm actually there, bleeding in the mud. Wait—I mean, I was there, taking the photo, but I wasn't wounded or anything. What I'm trying to say is that Pepe's art makes me feel like I've been shot. Totally mean that as a compliment. Next question? Please?

Marvel.com: X-Force can be a little grim. Deadpool likes to play the fool. Which way are you planning to take the action?

Duane Swierczynski: If the tone of my answers doesn't give you a clue, there's no hope for you, Andrew. But don't worry: there will be plenty of violence and action and high-octane grimness. If that's a word.

Jordan D. White: It’s all about the gritted teeth. That was 90’s code for being really serious.

Marvel.com: Cable and Deadpool are now buds, kinda, sorta. Though this story sees them at loggerheads, will readers also discover the first seeds of that beautiful friendship?

Duane Swierczynski: Many great relationships start with a tragic misunderstanding; at least, that's what my parents always told me, referring to the day I was born. Same goes with Deadpool and Cable. There is both a tragic misunderstanding, but also a bit of the old Hollywood "meet-cute." Only not so cute.